The opening competitions of the FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix 2016 last weekend in Courchevel (FRA) were filled with great excitement. Under blue skies, Sara Takanashi (JPN) and Maciej Kot (POL) flew to victory in front of 3,000 spectators.
In the men’s event, the Polish team - with new head coach Stefan Horngacher - celebrated a double victory.
Kot landed jumps of 129.5 and 126.5 metres to walk away with 275.1 points, ahead of teammate Kamil Stoch (128.5 m and 128 m / 270.1 points). Austria's Stefan Kraft rounded out the podium in third place (129 m and 130 m / 267.9 points).
“I came to Courchevel with the goal to fight for the podium. I knew I was in good shape and could finally perform what I have done in training over the past weeks”, a happy Kot said. He ended a two-year drought without an individual Grand Prix or World Cup victory.
Takanashi unbeatable
In the ladies’ event, Sara Takanashi set the bar high with top jumps of 99.5 and 90 metres. The 19-year-old has won all editions of the Grand Prix since its premiere in 2012With 237.4 points she took a clear win ahead of Austria’s Chiara Hoelzl (92.5 m and 88.5 m / 208.6 points) and her teammate Yuki Ito (86.5 m and 91.5 m 7 204.7 points).
"This has been a great start to my summer season. I am well prepared to move on to my home country for some national competitions.”
Next stop Wisla
The men’s tour will move on to Wisla (POL) for individual and team competitions from 21st-23rd July where large crowds are expected following Poland’s double victory in Courchevel.
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Source: fis-ski.com
